QF Gold but now living in Canada and flying AA

[bdruce]

Hi
I had been living in Australia for the past 2 years and attained QF Gold status mostly due to international travel for work (in Y). I am now living in Canada and still flying quite a bit for work. Since I have OW Sapphire I thought it best to fly on AA as much as possible even though I have no status with AA. Do you think it's worth trying for a status match from AA? Also, when I fly AA and use my AA FFP number, how do they know that I am OW Sapphire (for priority boarding etc)? Do I just show them my QF gold card? Any other tips on how best to transfer from the QF program to the AA program would be appreciated. Thanks!

Ben

 

[RooFlyer]

Definitely worth trying to get a status match from AA and, assuming you aren't returning to Oz anytime soon, join AAdvantage irrespective, and earn on them. Not sure about the recognition of your QFF Gold status, but I don't think that's much good for AA Lounge entry anyway?

If it were me, I would bite the bullet, change to AA and if they wouldn't status match me, just put up with no lounge etc until you earn status on AA.

Go Flames go!

 

[bdruce]

Thanks RooFlyer. I appreciate your quick response. Yes, we are staying in Calgary for the long term, so best to switch programs. You are right, domestically there is no lounge access for status, only if you purchase a membership. I'm also wondering about OW Sapphire perks like baggage allowance, priority boarding. Will I only get these if I use my QF FF number in the booking which is associated with OW Sapphire? Or can I place my AA number on the booking and then show my QF card to get the Sapphire perks? Go Flames!

 

[wandering_fred]

... I'm also wondering about OW Sapphire perks like baggage allowance, priority boarding. Will I only get these if I use my QF FF number in the booking which is associated with OW Sapphire? Or can I place my AA number on the booking and then show my QF card to get the Sapphire perks?

Second question first. Put the QF number in the reservation, which will give you the luggage and seating perks for Sapphire. At check-in (bite the bullet and do it at the airport) get them to put your AA number in to get credit. Ensure AA number is on boarding pass. Note:seating is free-for-all at T-24, so you are guaranteed to keep the seat (except in very unusual circumstances). No thoughts on priority boarding.

AA has a status challenge. Depending on whether you want Gold or Platinum, AA will ask for some cash and expect you to fly a certain number of EQP in the next three months. Repeat EQP, not EQM. Search the flyertalk AA board for the details. There is a large thread.

Happy wandering

Fred

 

[exceladdict]

Few ideas: firstly, your qantas OWS gets you in to admirals clubs. No levels of AA or US allow club entry on solely domestic flights.

As listed above keeping your sapphire card on will allow all perks up to check in and allow you free bags and main cabin extra seating in Y; but won't help you with 500 mile upgrades (the one perk of American ffps).

Priority boarding, which ruby and higher get, is also more important in the US with their busier planes and strict baggage rules (bins fill up very quickly).

Also, qantas redemptions on AA Y are quite cheap and great value for last minute, expensive cash fares.

I would be using the qantas cards and maintaining QF status as long as possible; maybe extending by playing the multi carrier status Match game.

 

[bdruce]

Thanks for your suggestions Fred and Exceladdict. I appreciate your input. Unfortunately I won't be able to maintain QF Gold because I won't be flying 4 segments on QF this year, so I will be focused on the AA program. Good to know I can place my QF membership number on the booking until checkin to get the OW Sapphire perks. In terms of the status challenge, I don't think I will be flying enough in a 3 month period to warrant the cost, but I will keep that in mind. Thanks again!

 

[Limewood]

Unfortunately I won't be able to maintain QF Gold because I won't be flying 4 segments on QF this year

How about buying 4 segments on QF and I'll fly them for you in your name

 

[andye]

There are monthly, annual or credit card Admirals Club membership to consider if this is an important aspect of status for you.
I'b be surprised if the value of AA miles over QF ones didn't cover the cost of a membership